THE   UNIVERSITY 

OF   ILLINOIS 

LIBRARY 


8/1 


018  HISTORICAL 


Page  Five 


Page  Six 


Joh 


n 


Page  5even 


Page  Eight 


Page    Ten 


MOTHER^ 


MINE 


John  Frederic  Hesse/ 


PuUisW     by 

Tne    Municipal    Problems    PutlisKing    Company 
CHampaign,    Illinois 


/Jage  Eleven 


Copyright,    1921 

By 
JOHN  FREDERIC  HESSEL 


Page    7'ii'f/vc 


^ 

CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Dedication 19 

Foreword 25 

His  Religion 27 

The  Vale  of  Human  Tears •    .  28 

The  World  of  Glorious  Achievement 31 

The  Promised  Goal 32 

Failure  and  Success 33 

Filial  Love  and  Duty 35 

Strength  and  Dignity 36 

The   Sunshine   of  Life 39 

The  Last  Battle 40 

Soldier,  Strong,  in  Battle  Array 42 

The   Philosophy  of  Life 45 

The    Beautiful    Isle  of  Somewhere 48 

The  Beautiful  Memories  of  the  Long  Ago     .      .      .      .  51 

Do  It  Now 52 

The   Last   Leaf   on   the   Tree  .      .  55 


Page    Thirteen 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Portrait Frontispiece 

The  Goal  of  Glorious  Achievement 29 

Steps  to  the  Promised  Goal 32 

Portrait 37 

Soldier,  Strong,  in  Battle  Array 42 

Favorite  Drives     .  43-53 

The  Deep  Sea  of  Doubt 49 

The  Mossy  Marbles    .      .  55 


Page  Fifteen 


ORNAMENTS-AND 
ILLUSTRATIONS 


Page  5cvcn(een 


Page   Eighteen 


DEDICATED 

to 
Fond  J\Lemory  or   other   Days 


FT  in  the  stilly  night, 

Ere  slumber's  chain  has  bound  me, 


Fond  memory  brings  the  light 
Of  other  days  around  me: 
The  smiles,  the  tears, 
Of   boyhood's   years, 
The  words  of  love  then  spoken; 
The  eyes  that  shone, 
Now  dimmed  and  gone, 
The  cheerful  hearts  now  broken." 


Page  Nineteen 


"Fond  memory  brings  the  light 
Of  other  days  around  me." 

Mothers'  Day,  19. 

MOTHER  OF  MINE 


This  page  to  be  used  for  memories, 
reminiscences    or    private    messages. 

Page    Tmentv 


This  page  to  be  used  for  memories, 
reminiscences    or    private    messages. 

Page    1  nit'tiM)-o/ic 


Crflwte  to  a  jftotljer 


Page   Tl»ent\f -three 


Page   Tn>cnt\i-foiir 


FOREWORD 

MONG  human  relations,  the  love  of  a  good  mother  for 
her  offspring  is,  in  a  class  by  itself.  In  other  words, 
it  is  unique,  especially  unique  in  fact.  Unique  because  there 
is  nothing  else  like  it  in  this  big  world  in  which  we  all  live 
and  have  our  being.  Especially  unique  because  it  is  ever- 
trustful,  ever-devoted,  ever-forgiving,  ever-tender,  ever-un- 
changing, ever-enduring." — Johnson. 

"The  friends  who  leave  us  do  not 
feel  the  sorrow 

Of  parting  as  we  feel  it,  who  must 
stay 

Lamenting  day  by  day. 

And  knowing  when  we  wake  upon 
the  morrow, 

We  shall  not  find  in  its  accus- 
tomed place 

The  one  beloved  face." 


Page   Twenty-five 


IV  '  ;r'^' 

OF 

f 


MOTHER  O'  MINE 

F  I  were  hung  on  highest  hill, 

Mother  o'  mine,  O  mother  o'  mine ! 
I   know   that  your   love   would   follow   still, 
Mother  o'  mine,  O  mother  o'  mine ! 

If  I  were  drown'd  in  deepest  sea, 

Mother  o'  mine,  O  mother  o'  mine ! 

I  know  that  your  tears  would  come  down  to  me, 
Mother  o'  mine,  O  mother  o'  mine! 

If  I  were  lost  of  body  and  soul, 

Mother  o'  mine,  O  mother  o'  mine! 

I  know  that  your  prayers  would  make  me  whole, 
Mother  o'  mine,  O  mother  o'  mine! 

—Rudyard  Kipling. 


I 

N  being  asked,  "What  is  your  religion?" 

he  replied, 
"My  mother  is  my  religion,  and  my 

daily  prayer 

Kipling's  Mother  o'  Mine." 
What  more  of  a  religion  does  one 

really  need, 
And  where  in  the  English  language  do 

we  find 

Such  few  words  that  so  fully  measure 
A  mother's  love  and  her  devotion? 


Page   Twenty-seven 


II 


S  we  saunter  through  this  vale 
of  tears, 


Strong,  virile,  debonair,  crowned 

with  victory, 
Fighting  battles,  crushing  enemies,  planning 

and  constructing, 
Sometimes  with  success,  other  times 

with  failure, 
Sometimes  with  loss,  other  times 

with  gain. 
Obsessed  we  become,  with  a  still 

stronger  determination 
To  repair  that  loss,  to  retrieve 

that  failure, 
To  regain  not  only  that  which 

is  lost, 
But  manifold  additions,  to  be  offered  at  the 

shrine  of  success  and  power. 


Page    Twenty-eight 


Page  Twenty-nine 


DF 


B 


Ill 

O  such  a  man,  no  loss  is  quite  enough 
or  too  severe; 

But  what,  with  will  power  and  determina- 
tion, may  be  transformed 

Into  an  asset,  overcome  and  converted, 

By  the  aid  of  that  vision 

That  inspires  one  to  dare  and  to  do 

Still  greater  and  better  things, 

In  this  world  of  glorious  achievement. 


Page   Thirty-one 


IV 

O   losses   accustomed,   knowing  how 
transitory,  only  for 


lijEsfs&a 

^®JSfe-V~r 


^R^^JFj^fejC 

•-•«£; 

'-I'^-'AJF  .          <*=»si — 

^J^je®-^ 

— 'tip—  >ii-zi.<L~^--i" — 

dfeia?SKfcf= 

^t^L^^AMj 


An  hour,  a  day,  a  week  or  a  year, 
if  so  decreed. 

We  accept  with  delight  the  challenge  to 
overcome  and  conquer 

By  pushing  the  advancing  column 

One  step  forward  towards  the  promised 
goal. 


i 


• 

i7"  *N^'-'/«N/    "^"vi^^^7^  -    »" '" 

,  _\.l ^zLcfil 


V 


HAT  else  in  life  is  there, 
other  than  this? 

What  a  game  it  is,  transforming  failures 

into  successes; 

Losses  into  gains,  for  the  satisfaction  it  gives 
In  pleasing  the  fancy  of  the  one  you  love; 
To  brighten  the  eyes  of  the  one  who 

idolizes  you 
And  thinks  you  wonderful,  when,  in  reality, 

you  know  you  are  not. 
How  in  secret  thought  you  glory  in  this 

adoration ; 
What  a  feeling  of  intense  satisfaction  and 

contentment 

Permeates  your  very  being  when  you  realize, 
That  there  is  at    least  one,  who  has 

faith  in  you, 
One  who  would  toil,  slave  and  die  that  you 

may  live, 
Mother  of  mine,  O  mother  of  mine! 


"  -.-'  .. 


Page  Thirty-three 


OF  : 


••'TV 


VI 

OU  gloat  in  this  devotion. 
It  becomes  of  you  a  part, 

a  parcel. 
Dare  anyone  rob  you  of  that, 

which  is  yours? 

Yours,  by  right  of  natural  possession? 
It  is  thought  of  this  that  makes  you 

tremble ; 
That  makes  you  choke  with  fear  and 

dread ; 

That  grips  your  very  heart-strings; 
That  makes  you  reach  out  for  strength 

and  courage, 
To  fight  the  coming  foe. 
It  is  then  you  ask  yourself  the 

question : 

"Without  you,  what  will  I  be, 
What  shall  I  do, 
Where  shall  I  go, 
Mother  of  mine,  O  mother  of  mine?" 


Page  Thirt\)-fi\'i- 


VII 

OW  beautiful  she  becomes  as  old  in 
years  she  grows, 


In  the  strength,  dignity  and  pride  of  a 

character 
Chastened  and  softened  by  the  bitter  losses  of 

the  past, 
Sweetened  by  the  beautiful  memories  of 

the  long  ago. 

Closer  and  closer  to  you  she  clings, 
For,  perhaps,  you  are  the  only    one  left 
To  feed  a  hungry  heart. 
To  her,  an  idol,  a  wonder,  a  marvel 

you  become, 

In  whatever  you  say  or  do, 
In  ever  act  and  deed. 
Do  not  disillusion  her,  for  you  could  not  if 

you  would, 

And  you  would  not  if  you  could, 
Mother  of  mine,  O  mother  of  mine! 


Page    Thirty-six 


Page   Thirly-teven 


OF  THE 


Vlll 

ITH  you  always,  you  should  keep 

her,  if  you  can: 
Keep  her  young,  old  she  will  never 

be, 

If  you  help  her  just  a  little. 
Old  in  years,  young  in  heart, 
Over-sensitive,  a  little  out  of  tune, 

perhaps, 

With  things  as  they  are  now, 
She  may   sometimes   feel.     This  should 

not  be. 
Young,  spirited  and  companionable,  she 

will  ever  be, 
If  properly  the  sunshine  of  life  is 

distributed, 
So  she  gets  her  share. 
A  share  to  which  she  is  justly 

entitled, 
One  which  to  you  she  never 

denied, 
Whenever  it  was  within  her  power 

to  give, 
Mother  of  mine,  O  mother  of  mine! 


Page   Thirty-nine 


IM 

A   \\V\c^>_^         __     ••  _    ^^  — • -  . 


IX 

last  stand  on  life's  battlefield 
is  taken. 


LTOUEJ        10   laivcii. 

Out  of  the  world,  a  life  dedicated  and 
^f^j^-^-^^^M  consecrated 

W'^^^^r--1'-—^.         To  the  n°ble  idea  of  filial  love  and  duty 

is  quietly  passing. 
As  in  boyhood  days,  your  hands  in  hers 

are  taken, 

To  give  you  strength  and  courage  to  with- 
stand the  shock 
Of  a  loss  that  she  knows  must  be  yours, 

11  i 


and  yours  alone  to  endure 


VilitjW    «v=r         '«-«<r— ~P^V£^»'l#7-i\L^/'«^^»tVJ^l  rl=-- 

^  JL: 

.  »N*^      "  3     _   _  ~       -^ *••'—' -2-...J  — —^ ;  . —    '.In. 


Page  Forty 


^^^  -'•|^'%>|{ 

cr: 


Her  thoughts,  always  of  you,  none  of 

self. 
Your  welfare,  to  her  nothing  else  seems 

quite  so  important; 

"Carry  out  your  plans, 
Do  not  give  them  up, 
I  will  always  be  with  you, 
Someway — somehow . 
O  for  one  more  ride  over 
Our  favorite  drive!"  she  pleads, 
"The  one  you  and  I  so  much 
enjoyed." 


Still  guiding,  still  planning,  for  you  and 

you  alone, 
While  the  last  drop  of  life-blood  is  slowly 

ebbing, 
Mother  of  mine,  O  mother  of  mine! 


Page  Fortp-one 


X 


O  soldier,  strong,  in  battle  array, 


In  more  heroic  mould  was  ever  cast, 
Than  she  who  has  fought,  suffered  and  sacrificed ; 
Endured  pangs,  heartaches  and  distress, 
So  strongly,  so  bravely,  so  silently, 
Mother  of  mine,  O  mother  of  mine! 


Page  Forty-two 


Forty-Three 


XI 


OUR  philosophy  of  life, 

Transforming  failures  into  success, 
Losses  into  gains, 
What  about  it? 
What  is  to  be  done  about  this 

loss? 
To  regain  not  only  that  which 

is  lost, 

But  manifold  additions? 
Where  is  thy  boasted  strength  to  surmount 

every  difficulty? 
What  about  the  many  battles  fought 

and  won? 
What  about  the  strength  within  you,  to 

dare,  to  do? 


OF   FiiF 


What  a  cold,  hard,  cynical,  calculating 

philosophy. 
How  much  sordidness  seems  to  be 

expressed 

In  its  creed,  when  you  realize 
That  everything  you  could  ever 

hope 

To  receive  from  such  a  philosophy 
Would  be  gladly  given,  this  one  loss  to 

regain. 

Must  such  a  loss  be  suffered, 
Such  a  penalty  paid, 
To  melt  the  coldness, 
To  soften  the  hardness, 
To  destroy  the  cynicism  of  such  a 

worldly  philosophy? 


Page   Forp-seven 


XII 

GROPE  and  search  in  the  deep 

Sea  of  Doubt, 
For  the  beautiful  "Isle  of  Somewhere," 
For  gems,  such  as  these,  there  surely 

must  be, 

A  haven  of  rest,  secure. 
A  cruise  to  this  isle,  for  a  look  or  a 

smile, 
What  worlds  would  I  give  to 

enjoy, 

What  price  would  not  be  paid, 
By  a  hungry  sick  soul 
For  a  light  and  a  guide 
To  this  island  goal? 


Page  Forty-eight 


Page  Forty- nine 


xm 


N  the  beautiful  memories  of  the  long 
ago, 


I  live  and  dwell  in  thoughts 

of  you. 
Our  favorite  drive,  through  wood  and 

dale; 
Midst  flowers  and  sunshine  lonely  I 

wander, 
Listening  to  the  breezes  gently 

whispering, 
To  my  anguished  heart  the  sad 

refrain, 
Mother  of  mine,  O  mother  of  mine! 


Page   Fifty-one 


-. 


DO   IT   NOW 

F   some   good   thing   for   tomorrow 

You  are  dreaming,  do  it  now; 
From  the  future  do  not  borrow; 
Frost  soon  gathers  on  the  brow. 


Days   for   deeds  are   few,  my   brother, 
Then  today  fulfill  thy  vow. 
mean  to  ne^P  another, 
not 


se 


s^s^f/-1 

FI/ID-/IDO 


pMj^teg^    .  _z:_  l^i 

:^SGI 


Page    Fiftp-llirve 


rj;r  i 
5F   FHF 

)  I  v  r  " 


<5 


HE  mossy  marbles  rest 

On  the  lips  he  has  pressed 
In  their  bloom, 

And  the  names  he  loved  to  hear 
Have  been  carved  for  many  a  year 
On  the  tomb," 


Page  Fifty-five 


r !   r     i  • .-« n  s.  «iv 
I.K.1      '  ,/vv-^Y 

OF  THE 


Page   Fi/V.scvoi 


IV 

5F 
. 


Page  Fifty-nine 


OF  THE 

III  IMIS 


HAMMOND     PRESS 

I.     CONKEY    COMPANY 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-  URBANA 

811H46M  C001 

MOTHER  OF  MINE  CHAMPAIGN 


30112025322626 


